Tire test ...read on, Avon's suck!!

[Scab]

I like BikeEffects statement, "Tires are a wear item. Why not try them all?" I'm trying, Jeff, I'm trying!

I've gone through 3 sets of Avons & really like them. The above is a good point though. I'll try the Pilot Roads next I think --- cause Mikey likes 'em

Then again, I just read this from Scab :blink:

I just (a couple hundred miles back) changed my Avons with a set of Pilot Roads. Originals were stones and, aside from the front cupping, weren't a bad tire. The Avons took a little getting used to as they were very quick responding tires. They were always planted, though. Very stable wet or dry, except when I got to the wear bars on the rear and hydroplaning came fairly easily. Now, the pilots are on. Completely different than the Avons. While the ride is good, the tire is a little "neutral" or "non-committal". It takes more effort cornering. It is not really a negative for the way I ride, but there. (I am not that aggressive) What is a negative is the straight-line handling when in the draft of another vehicle. The front is nowhere near as "planted" as was the Avon or the stone. The bike is MUCH more suseptible to negative air, to the point that it is somewhat un-nerving by comparison to past tires. For those of you with experience with the pilots and others, is this just a characteristic of the pilot tread pattern and shape or perhaps something else? What pressure is the concensus with the front pilot? I am currently running at 42 psi as I did with the avons and stones.

Hey, if I get quoted, does that mean I am famous? But really, I still stand by that load. While the Michelins have a better ride, there is something there when in the negative, nasty draft air. It's kinda like riding on grooves that the bikes wants to follow. The handle bars never waiver and stay true with the bike, the whole bike jitters left and right. I have played around with the air pressure some. It is not as noticable with a lower pressure (like 38). However, and in fairness to the Michelins, the bike does not display this characteristic unless drafting a fairly large vehicle. And, after this weekend's spirited romp through the twisties across Cheaha Mountain, I can say they are very stable handling tires. (at least they can more than handle my wimp-*** abilities) They also have a smoother ride on my normal daily commute.

 

[rogdeb]

You should know by now that I don't always follow the crowd because of my rebellious and stubborn nature, neither of which you should be emulating.

No worries Mike I only follow a crowd when I know there's ice cream at the final destination :lol:

Now, where are we ----------- Avons !!

 

[red2kcbr]

I'm on my third set of Avons, and I like them. Stockers were the MEZ4, and wasn't too pleased with the dry or wet grip with those. The Avons, though, have been excellent. I've had them break loose, but only because it was a downtown San Antonio street, tons of traffic, and hot as hell.

I've been caught in heavy downpours with both the Mets and the Avons, and the Avons felt much more planted to me.

I keep meaning to try the Diablo Stradas, but each time I order I go with the Avons. Running 41 PSI front, 42 PSI rear. I'll go to 42 front when two-up with loaded bags.

Oh, and I go one front for every two rears. Current front is nearly bit because this one had to do 2 and a half rears. I cut a rear tire and replaced it early. Still have some tread left on the front, but I am seeing some cupping and a low-speed wobble if I let go of the bars below 40 mph.

I'll probably come back with the Avons again. My mileage has been around 4K miles per rear. Not great, but still a thousand more than I got on the 929. Good enough.